Are all methods equal as long as there is progress?

I had the opportunity today to spend time with/train a local coach with an impressive resume. Let me start by saying this guy was top notch. Did not bring attitude except for training. But anyways, he was a scholarship football player from the Big Ten and Cal State Fullerton. At 6'2" 235 and single digit bodyfat, he was impressive. We spent as much time talking as we did training. The majority conversation stemmed around this days training methods. The training went like so:

-Myofascial release

-Dynamic mobility

-Athletic/explosive movement (band assisted broad jumps for neural training and coordination)

-GBC (total body) with non compete muscle pairings

A typical day in the gym for me, for him, not so much.  What was interesting was his sincere disassociation with the methods we used.e.g.. warm ups, order, tempo's, % of weight used, choice of rep ranges..etc. So as we talked about what we were doing and why, he consistently made comparisons to his different coaching techniques and techniques his coaches used on him. He determined that there must be multiple schools of thought that work equally, "the best fit for you is what you are most comfortable with" and why shouldn't he? I mean he is bigger and stronger than me and played sports at an elite level. Yet I stood with a smirk, not being arrogant (well maybe a little), but reassured that I could improve even the most elite of athletes.  Now, I am no expert on every aspect of training. I love to learn new things and believe this industry is in constant change. What I have trouble with is the general belief in comfort and familiarity being a motto to train by. This violates every training principle for growth both neurologically and muscularly. 

Adaptation is the enemy. So is the lack of a plan, improper order of exercises, exercise choices related to your goals and a general lack of understanding proven training principles. 

So as much as I can say with contentment that there can be progress with many different training styles, they will not all yield the best possible results. What helps me sleep is knowing that I can make a difference even with elite athletes as long as I stick to some principles:

1) Log your training to follow progress. 

2) Apply progressive overload to your training weekly.

3) "Methods are many, principles are few". Stick to principles (sets, reps, weight, tempo, rest)

4) Strive for continued improvement.

5) Believe in yourself as much as your program.

Out